Chemical Energy Converters

Capacity Area A2 works towards shifting conventional fossil fuel operated powertrains to more efficient internal combustion engines, renewable fuels and fuel cell technologies. The focus is on long-range and heavy-duty applications, as electric propulsion is not expected to meet the demands of these sectors. Research on internal combustion engines focuses on increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions as well as utilizing renewable synthetic fuels. Investigated synthetic fuel options are based on renewable surplus electricity and biogenic or solar-chemical processes. In the area of fuel cells, projects concentrate on cost reduction and improved operating conditions as well as hydrogen production from excess electricity (from fluctuating renewable energy sources).

Proof-of-concept demonstration of highly-efficient minimal emission in prototype engine for each of the fuels considered above (e.g., for a passenger car and a truck engine), Tasks A2.2.1-3 (Dec 2016).